Manohar Parrikar, Ailing Under Ill Health, Greets Goa on Diwali Through Audio Clip
This was the first direct communication from Parrikar in the last six months. The Goa CM had last conversed with party cadres and BJP president Amit Shah on May 13, when he delivered a video address.
New Delhi, November 6: Ailing under ill-health, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday extended Diwali greetings to the people of his state through an audio clip. The sound clip was played on the state-run and private FM radio stations.
"Namaskar. I wish all Goans Diwali greetings. I pray to God that the coming year be full of happiness and fulfilment. Diwali greetings to you all," Parrikar was heard as saying in the audio clip. Manohar Parrikar Will Continue as Goa CM, Changes in Cabinet Soon: BJP Chief Amit Shah.
This was the first direct communication from Parrikar in the last six months. He had last conversed with party cadres and BJP president Amit Shah on May 13, when he delivered a video address.
Last week, the Goa government released an image of Parrikar chairing a Cabinet meeting at his residence. The move was aimed at countering the Congress, whose state unit went on to claim that the "CM has passed away".
Parrikar, reportedly suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer, was being treated at a US-based medical facility for three months earlier in the year. While he assumed full-time charge after his return, Parrikar's condition deteriorated again in July, which necessitated his admission to New Delhi's AIIMS.
After his return from AIIMS last month, the Goa CM had not made any public appearance, barring the three political meetings - one with the Cabinet, another with state BJP leadership and third with the Investment Promotion Board.
His restricted public appearance and weak health condition has compelled the Opposition to seek his resignation. "We appeal the Governor to intervene in the crisis and assure a full-time CM is appointed," said the recent Congress' statement.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 06, 2018 12:32 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).